Cancellara Wins Time Trial at Worlds

Fabian Cancellara (Switzerland) is a world time trial champion for the third time in his career.

Fabian Cancellara (Switzerland) is a world time trial champion for the third time in his career. Cancellara demolished the field to win the gold medal on the hilly, 49.8-km course in Mendrisio, Switzerland in 57:55. Gustav Larsson (Sweden) took the silver at 1:27, and Tony Martin (Germany) settled for the bronze at 2:30.

Tom Zirbel (United States) set the early standard. The American posted a 1:00:42, a time that was good enough to be the best time for most of the day. Zirbel, who was competing in his first world championship, was the day's 23rd starter out of 66 riders. HIs time would be the day's best until Martin, the 62nd starter, crossed the finish line in 1:00:13.

Martin did not remain the race leader long. Cancellara finished seconds later. His time obliterated all others and confirmed his status as odds-on favorite. The Swiss overtook Larsson, his one-minute man, who rode strongly and consistently to claim the silver medal.

Bradley Wiggins (Great Britain) was expected to compete for a medal, but the Briton had a disappointing day. He started two minutes before Cancellara, but the Swiss overtook him. Then, on his final circuit, Wiggins suffered a mechanical and had to change bikes. He finished 21st at 4:50.

Defending champion Bert Grabsch (Germany) was the final starter, but he was never in contention. The German finished 10th at 3:37.

Cancellara came to the world championships with the express intention of winning the road race in front of his compatriots. He dominated the time trial, his specialty. No rider has ever won both races in the same worlds. Will Cancellara make history? Check in at www.roadcycling.com and find out!